Page 549 – Electronics-Lab.com

makerPower Solar – An intelligent solar power system for the internet of things.

Posted on 22 May, 201922 May, 2019 by mixos

makerPower Solar is a combination intelligent solar battery charger and power supply for low- to medium-power devices freeing them from the outlet. It is designed to provide 24/7 power for a wide range of embedded systems and IoT gadgets.

According to Julio:

Optimal charging is provided through a dynamic perturb-and-observe maximum power-point transfer converter (MPPT) and a 3-stage (BULK, ABSORPTION, FLOAT) charging algorithm.

The makerPower Solar offers 12V operation using 25W to 35W (12V) solar panels, along with 7Ah to 18Ah AGM lead-acid batteries. It has 35W MPPT charging, charge temperature compensation (via temp sensor), 10W/5V power supply available through a USB Type-C port, low-battery shutdown/restart capability, and a digital interface (via I2C).

Features & Specifications

12 V Operation
- Uses commonly available and inexpensive 25-35 W 12 V solar panels and 7-18 Ah sealed AGM lead-acid batteries (UPS batteries).
- Lead-acid batteries are ideal for outdoor solar applications because they are lower cost that other battery technologies, operate over a wider temperature range and are safe.
35 W Maximum Power-Point Charging
- Implements a MPPT algorithm to operate the solar panel at the point of maximum power generation to extract every bit of energy the panel is capable of producing. More efficient that PWM-style chargers and much more efficient than just attaching the panel to the battery.
- Three-state charger for fast and safe battery charging (BULK, ABSORPTION, FLOAT).
Charge Temperature Compensation
- Temperature sensor monitors battery temperature and adjusts charge parameters to optimally charge the battery while protecting it from life-shortening overcharge conditions.
10 W 5 V Power Supply
- Available from USB Type A socket for plug&play with many devices or from a 0.1” header for direct connection.
- Capable of powering a Linux SBC and long-distance radio like a cellular modem or SatComm module.
Low Battery Shutdown and Restart
- Five-volt output disabled when the battery is almost discharged with automatic restart when the battery is recharged.
- Alert signal available to provide warning of impending power-off for controlled shutdown. Use it to protect the filesystem in Raspberry Pi applications.
Digital Interface
- I²C interface provides full access to charger measurements, state and configuration values.
- Status signals allow direct control for simple systems.
Night-Only Mode
- Automatically enable the system only at night.
Watchdog
- Ensure system reliability by power cycling when the attached system crashes or hangs.

This Remote webcam project is powered by the makerPower and features a Raspberry Pi Zero, Pi camera, and motion sensor to snap pictures of wildlife.

Applications

Remote sensing and control devices, connected by a variety of communication technologies or stand-alone.
Remote photography applications such as nature time-lapse, critter cams, and remote webcams.
Utility functions such as USB charging, night lighting or remote water pumping.
Power for remote lit art/sculptural installations.
Power supply with battery backup for Raspberry Pi Server or Router.

Software Support

Arduino library for access via the digital interface (compiles on Raspberry Pi too).
Linux daemon for custom configuration, data logging, remote access and automatic shutdown/watchdog support.
Desktop application for remote monitoring or data analysis.
Demo applications

Dashboard Application

The makerPower Solar is going to launch on Crowd Supply soon, although there’s no word yet on pricing or expected shipping dates.

FOVEA – Wearable Embedded Multimeter

Posted on 22 May, 2019 by mixos

FOVEA is a wearable embedded analyzer — a multimeter targeted at embedded electronics with wrist-worn convenience.

FOVEA, their wearable embedded analyzer does a few primary things to make embedded work easier:

(a) It moves the multimeter display to a location that’s much closer to where the probes are being held, and also with almost the same focal distance;

(b) it focuses on lower currents and voltages as seen in modern embedded electronics — when last did you need to measure 600VAC on your embedded project?; and

We’re not looking to replace your high-dollar benchtop lab-grade instruments, but instead developing a sensible easy-to-use multimeter/analyzer with convenience features that we would’ve expected to be commonplace today. For example, continuity testers nicely alert us when we’re across a very-low-resistance or direct connection, but if you’re checking say a 5-volt circuit for proper power at various points, wouldn’t it be nice to have the meter alert you that you’ve got 5V within a certain tolerance?

How about directly testing PWM signals, and even generating pulses and PWM signals? And you can measure current across a pre-installed shunt resistor on development boards, so you don’t have to keep breaking a circuit connection to measure current. These are some of the features added to FOVEA to help you be more productive.

Functions:

DC voltage to 30V with window alerts
DC current to 1A
Current across a specified shunt
Resistance & Continuity
Frequency counter
PWM servo-pulse measurement
Pulse generator (square wave)
PWM servo-pulse output
Logic analyzer

Features:

2.4″ color TFT display
Touch-screen interface
Built-in battery with USB recharging
Banana jacks, and a 4-pin plug-in interface
Adjustable wrist strap
Folding design for portability

The project is live on kickstarter and has 25 days to go.

The Things Network Announces New Gateway and Sensor Node Hardware

Posted on 22 May, 2019 by Tope Oluyemi

The Things Network has announced a LoRaWAN Gateway priced at $69, which has shipping costs inclusive. The Things Network also announced in their Amsterdam Conference a weather-proof Outdoor Gateway priced at $399. The Outdoor Gateway, also called the “Industrial” Gateway, enables a 3G/4G backhaul and features an onboard GPS radio. The new Outdoor Gateway has a competitive price with a host of the lower-end LoRa gateways currently on sale. There are no details about waterproof rating of the enclosure, but we should expect an IP67 or IP68.

The new Indoor Gateway is designed around the SX1308, (a baseband chip designed for indoor LoRaWAN pico gateways). It offers an 8-channel gateway and utilizes Wi-Fi as the backhaul. At just 80 x 80 x 40mm and weighing 145g, the Indoor Gateway will initially ship in EU (863–870MHz) and US (902–928MHz) models, and also there is an AS model that will be available later this year, which will be pre-configured to connect to The Things Network, and can be used on any LoRaWAN network. While it was announced that the Things Indoor Gateway would be “available next towards the end of February this year, there is no availability and no confirmation on an updated release date. We expect to hear an update, either from The Things Network or RS Components, on that soon.

A Generic Node was also announced at The Things Network Conference. The Generic Node is designed around a Microchip SAM R34, a 32-bit Arm microcontroller and LoRa radio integrated system-in-package (SIP). The node is meant to be an off-the-shelf LoRaWAN sensor node, with the ability to sense orientation, motion, proximity, light, touch, temperature, and moisture. The node enables end-to-end encryption, firmware updates over-the-air, ultra-low power and running of a standard AA battery. The node comes with firmware pre-installed with some generic applications on board, but you can also create your own firmware for the Generic Node by making use of Arm’s Mbed OS and provision through LoRaWAN over-the-air throughout the lifetime of the node.

The Generic Node Prototype. (Mikael Falkvidd)

The announcement says the Generic Node will be available via RS Components later this year, and provision is made for you to sign up for the early access program on the Generic Node site. The node is priced at $25 in what is being referred to as “medium” volume.

Piezo speaker is thin yet with a broad frequency range

Posted on 22 May, 2019 by mixos

Sound is produced by the PiezoListen piezoelectric speaker over a broader frequency range and with a greater output in the low range than any existing piezoelectric speakers, claims TDK.

The speaker has an operating frequency range of 400 to 20,000Hz and achieves a high sound pressure of 80dB, even at low voltages of 24V peak to peak, or below. The PiezoListen speaker has a maximum output power of 34W and an impedance of 2.0 to 100 Ohm.

At just 0.49mm thick, PiezoListen is also one of the thinnest piezo speakers available, says TDK. The low-profile, high-displacement piezoelectric element was created using TDK’s patented lamination and material technologies.

The low profile enables designers to overcome installation space constraints in audio devices, such as TVs, tablets, laptops and surround sound systems.

The speaker element is flexible and thus able to produce sound from many different kinds of objects and materials to lend some innovative creativity to audio design as video content moves from the standard format for video content to 4K and 8K resolution, and as more video content is offering multi-channel audio as well.

In addition to the wide-range speaker, the PiezoListen range will be joined by a sound positioning speaker with an operating frequency range of 1000 to 20,000Hz that will allow users to create a 3D audio experience.

Samples of the general grade product (PHUA3030-049B-00-000) will be available from June 2019.

https://www.tdk-electronics.tdk.com/en

2.4GHz Digital Voice and Data Transceiver achieve 12km range

Posted on 21 May, 201921 May, 2019 by mixos

The SCT2400 operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band and offers a comprehensive solution supporting near global usage without the need for complex licensing. Capable of replacing unlicensed PMR/LMR solutions (FRS/MURS/GMRS/PMR446), the SCT2400 offers a rich set of features supporting not only secure digital voice operation but also wireless data capabilities.

The SCT2400 also offers superior operating range over Wi-Fi based digital radio providing up to 30dB of additional sensitivity. Range is further extended using voice coding technology with enhanced error correction that also maintains voice clarity and a high level of voice security under the most demanding RF environments.

In comparison to other licensed and unlicensed PMR solutions the SCT2400 operates on a fraction of the power in both receive and transmit, enabling significantly longer operating times or the use of smaller batteries that allows innovative small form factor solutions to be realized.

Features

Highly integrated 2.4GHz spread spectrum radio transceiver
Range optimized vocoder
Digital voice modes
- Peer to peer
- Group Call
- Broadcast
Data Modes
- SMS
12.5dBm RF TX power
Single 3V supply
Low power consumption
- 10mA standby/scanning
- 52mA receive voice
- 64mA transmit voice
144-BGA package (10mm x 10mm)

Applications

License Free 2.4GHz Voice + Data
Intercoms
Access control and gate entry
Two-way radio, PMR/LMR
Wearable communications
Wireless headsets

Range is further extended using voice coding technology with enhanced error correction that also maintains voice clarity and a high level of voice security under the most demanding RF environments. The internal power amplifier achieves 12.5dBm and an operational range up to 2km. Using an external FEM to achieve 100mW output power and -123dBm sensitivity, increases operational range to greater than 12km line of site.

more information: www.cmlmicro.com

Arduino SIM unveiled

Posted on 21 May, 201921 May, 2019 by mixos

Arduino has launched Arduino SIM, which is a SIM-only service exclusively for IoT (internet of things) devices based on the Arduino platform. It provides developers and manufacturers cellular access to the Arduino IoT Cloud platform from over 100 countries with a single data plan and competitive pricing. [via www.mwee.com]

Arduino SIM aims to provide the simplest path to cellular IoT device development in an environment familiar to millions. The cellular service, provided by Arm® Pelion™ Connectivity Management, means a single physical Arduino SIM can be used in over 100 countries worldwide with one simple data plan. The Arduino SIM data plan is launching initially in the US, with availability in Europe and Asia to follow in summer 2019.

Fully integrated with Arduino IoT Cloud, Arduino SIM is continuing Arduino’s mission to democratize IoT technology, making cellular IoT accessible to everyone from makers to professionals across domains already using Arduino today, including in education, agriculture, industrial, retail and more. Users can easily send sensor data to databases, spreadsheets or alerts, without any coding necessary, using Webhooks, or are able to create custom IoT applications using the API.

Arduino SIM is initially rolling out with support for Arduino MKR GSM 1400 (3G with 2G fallback), which is a 32-bit Arduino board supporting TLS and X.509 certificate-based authentication through an on-board secure element and crypto-accelerator. Arduino IoT Cloud makes it possible for anyone to connect to these boards securely without any coding required, but they are still programmable using open-source libraries and the traditional Arduino IDE. A roadmap is in place to support the upcoming Arduino MKR NB 1500 (LTE Cat-M and NB-IoT), with plans to open it to third party cellular boards at a later date.

From prototype to production

Arduino SIM provides a streamlined path for cellular IoT development with 10 MB of data free for up to 90 days, and the option for a simple subscription at 5 MB for $1.50 USD per month. The one simple plan provides the same amount of data traffic for the same price wherever in the world the device is being operated. By partnering with Arm Pelion Connectivity Management, the cellular service has a solid foundation for users planning to scale to large numbers of devices in the future.

Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino said:

SIM is a way to simplify cellular connection to Arduino IoT Cloud. By partnering with Arm Pelion Connectivity Management we’re able to offer global data plans to suit everything from single IoT prototypes to production IoT deployments. The simplicity of integration with Arm Pelion Connectivity gives us the freedom to focus on our users; and accelerating innovation and adoption in cellular IoT.

www.arduino.cc

Inductive Proximity Sensor using TCA505

Posted on 21 May, 2019 by mixos

The circuit published here is an Inductive Proximity Sensor, which is used for non-contact detection of metallic objects. The circuit can be used for the detection of metal objects or as positioning sensor. The TCA505 is used to design inductive proximity switche which can detect metal object from 5-10mm range. The resonant circuit of the LC oscillator is implemented with an open half-pot ferrite and a capacitor in parallel (pin LC). If a metallic target is moved closer to the open side of the half-pot ferrite, energy is drawn from the resonant circuit and the amplitude of the oscillation is reduced accordingly. This change in amplitude is transmitted to a threshold switch by means of a demodulator and triggers the outputs. I have tested the circuit with 12V DC however the circuit can also work with higher supply voltage, up to 42V with few components values changes, refer to datasheet for more info. Normally D2 LED is on, when the coil detects the metal object D2-LED goes off and D1 LED turns on, so normally Out-2 provides low output and Out-1 provides High output when metal object detected. Q3 Output goes high and Q1 goes Low, both outputa are open collector. PR1 Trimmer potentiometer helps to adjust the sensor sensitivity distance. Output of each transistor can directly drive small relay as each output has capacity of handling 50mA of current.

Inductive Proximity Sensor using TCA505 – [Link]

Inductive Proximity Sensor using TCA505

The circuit published here is an Inductive Proximity Sensor, which is used for non-contact detection of metallic objects. The circuit can be used for the detection of metal objects or as a positioning sensor. The TCA505 is used to design an inductive proximity switch that can detect a metal object from 5-10mm range. The resonant circuit of the LC oscillator is implemented with an open half-pot ferrite and a capacitor in parallel (pin LC). If a metallic target is moved closer to the open side of the half-pot ferrite, energy is drawn from the resonant circuit and the amplitude of the oscillation is reduced accordingly. This change in amplitude is transmitted to a threshold switch by means of a demodulator and triggers the outputs. I have tested the circuit with 12V DC however the circuit can also work with higher supply voltage, up to 42V with few components values changes, refer to datasheet for more info. Normally D2 LED is on, when the coil detects the metal object D2-LED goes off and D1 LED turns on, so normally Out-2 provides the low output and Out-1 provides High output when the metal object detected. Q3 Output goes high and Q1 goes Low, both outputs are open collector. PR1 Trimmer potentiometer helps to adjust the sensor sensitivity distance. The output of each transistor can directly drive a small relay as each output has the capacity of handling 50mA of current.

Note : Sensor Coil Can be made using half part of 14MM Pot iron Core, inductance has to be 540uH to 640uH

Features

Supply 12V DC
Dual Output (Both Open Collector)
Detection Range 5-10mm
Dual LED operation
D2-LED ON Normally Goes OFF When Sensor Detects the Object
D1-LED OFF Normally Goes ON When Sensor Detects the Object
PR1 – Sensitivity Adjust
Both Outputs are Short Circuit Protected
High Noise Immunity
PCB Dimensions 30.77mm x 15.54mm

Schematic

Parts List

Connections

Photos

TCA505BG Datasheet

Video

EPIC-KBS9-PUC: Proven Performance for your Embedded Application

Posted on 21 May, 201921 May, 2019 by mixos

AAEON, an industry leader in embedded computing systems, announces the EPIC-KBS9-PUC barebones embedded system. Built upon our success and knowledge, the EPIC-KBS9-PUC offers the power of 6th and 7th Generation Intel Core Processors, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and a range of expandability and customization to support your application.

The EPIC-KBS9-PUC is a barebones system based on our successful EPIC-KBS9 compact board. Customers have been using this compact EPIC board in a wide range of industrial applications including controlling automated warehouse robots, retail POS systems, and even a 3D printer for cakes. The EPIC-KBS9-PUC offers the power, flexibility and versatility of the EPIC-KBS9 board in a barebones system that is easy to integrate into a wide range of industrial application.

The EPIC-KBS9-PUC features a socket type supporting 6th and 7th Generation Intel Core desktop processors up to 65W. This means the EPIC-KBS9-PUC is one of the most powerful systems in its size. The board features dual channel 2133MHz DDR4 RAM supporting up to 32GB, providing the back-up needed to get the most out of your processor.

The EPIC-KBS9-PUC is built to easily integrate into any embedded application. It features four Gigabit Ethernet ports designed for use with IP and PoE cameras, perfect for machine vision applications. It also offers two USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports in addition to a COM port. The EPIC-KBS9-PUC provides expandability with a full mSATA/mini-PCIe slot and a PCI express [x4] slot, allowing almost endless options, including graphics and frame grabber cards. The system can also be ordered with VESA or wall mount kits, allowing it to be easily installed anywhere.

As with all of our products, AAEON Manufacturer Services provides the ability to customize and configure the EPIC-KBS9-PUC to our customer’s needs. Configurations range from adding additional USB ports to offering HDMI 2.0 with 4K High Definition video output for customers needing an embedded system for digital signage or kiosks.

The EPIC-KBS9-PUC offers proven performance and features in a barebones chassis that is easy to setup for your embedded application. With the flexibility and support of AAEON Manufacturer Services, the EPIC-KBS9-PUC is the embedded barebones system with proven performance and flexibility.

more information: www.aaeon.com

Experimental Next-Generation Chip-Scale Atomic Clock

Posted on 21 May, 2019 by mixos

Physicists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and partners have demonstrated an experimental, next-generation atomic clock—ticking at high “optical” frequencies—that is much smaller than usual, made of just three small chips plus supporting electronics and optics.

Described in Optica, the chip-scale clock is based on the vibrations, or “ticks,” of rubidium atoms confined in a tiny glass container, called a vapor cell, on a chip. Two frequency combs on chips act like gears to link the atoms’ high-frequency optical ticks to a lower, widely used microwave frequency that can be used in applications.

The chip-based heart of the new clock requires very little power (just 275 milliwatts) and, with additional technology advances, could potentially be made small enough to be handheld. Chip-scale optical clocks like this could eventually replace traditional oscillators in applications such as navigation systems and telecommunications networks and serve as backup clocks on satellites.

We made an optical atomic clock in which all key components are microfabricated and work together to produce an exceptionally stable output,” NIST Fellow John Kitching said. “Ultimately, we expect this work to lead to small, low-power clocks that are exceptionally stable and will bring a new generation of accurate timing to portable, battery-operated devices.

The clock was built at NIST with help from the California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, Calif.), Stanford University (Stanford, Calif.) and Charles Stark Draper Laboratories (Cambridge, Mass.).